Guidance

Nerve agents: general information

Updated 16 October 2024

Overview

Nerve agents are a group of chemicals that are similar to organophosphorus compounds. Chemicals in the group include tabun (GA), soman (GD), sarin (GB) and VX.

They are colourless, yellow or brown liquids. Some nerve agents are volatile and readily form a vapour. Other nerve agents are oily liquids that are more persistent in the environment. 

Uses of nerve agents

Nerve agents are chemical warfare agents and their production, use and storage is prohibited under the Chemical Weapons Convention (entered into force in 1997).

Exposure to nerve agents

Following the release of a nerve agent, you may be exposed by breathing, eating, or drinking the substance or by skin contact.  Following release into the air, individuals are likely to be exposed by breathing in the vapour or by contact with eyes. Exposure can also occur following skin contact with a liquid nerve agent. Ingestion of a nerve agent is unlikely.

How exposure to nerve agents can affect your health

Following exposure to any chemical, the adverse health effects you may encounter depend on several factors, including the amount to which you are exposed (dose), the way you are exposed, the duration of exposure, the form of the chemical and if you were exposed to any other chemicals.

Nerve agents are highly toxic.

Inhalation exposure to nerve agents can cause salivation, chest tightness and runny nose. Skin contact with a nerve agent can cause sweating and twitching of muscles. Ingestion of food or water contaminated with nerve agents may cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Following exposure by ingestion, inhalation or skin contact nerve agents can also be absorbed into the body and may cause pinpoint pupils, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness and twitching, restlessness, fitting and coma, tremor, loss of coordination and speech. In severe cases death can occur.

In addition to this, exposure to nerve agents may result in disruptive changes in heart rate and blood pressure.

Nerve agents and cancer

There is no evidence to suggest that nerve agents can cause cancer in humans.

Vulnerable people

There are no particular groups of people who are more or less vulnerable to the toxic effects of nerve agents.

Pregnancy and the unborn child

There is limited data available on the reproductive and developmental effects of nerve agents. Therefore, it is not possible to draw any definitive conclusions. Effects on the unborn child are more likely to occur if the exposure to a nerve agent causes the mother to become unwell.

Children

Children would be expected to be affected by nerve agents in the same way as adults.

What to do if you are exposed to nerve agents

It is very unlikely that the general population will be exposed to nerve agents. 

If exposure does occur seek medical attention immediately.

If you have got a nerve agent on your skin, remove soiled clothing (not over the head), wash the affected area with lukewarm water and soap for at least 10 to 15 minutes.

If you have got a nerve agent in your eyes, remove contact lenses, irrigate the affected eye with lukewarm water for at least 10 to 15 minutes.

Additional sources of information

NHS.UK - Information on poisoning

UK Teratology Information Service (UKTIS) - Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy

The information contained in this document from the UKHSA Radiation, Chemicals and Environment Directorate is correct at the time of its publication.

Email [email protected] or [email protected] if you have any questions about this guidance.

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